Adie syndrome causes permanent dilation of the pupils and slowed reflexes in tendons. It is more common in women and may be related to other nervous system diseases or autoimmune responses. Testing involves an eye exam and drops can be used to aid in constriction of the pupils.
Adie syndrome is a condition in which the pupils of an individual’s eyes are permanently dilated. In this state, the eye cannot react as well to changes in light. Other reflexes, such as those of the knee and other tendons, can also be delayed. A very rare condition, Adie syndrome is not life-threatening and affected individuals can live comfortably with the condition for a long time. Adie syndrome is also known as tonic pupil syndrome, Holmes-Adie syndrome, papillotonic pseudotabi, Pseudo-Argyll Robertson syndrome, Weill-Reys syndrome, or Adie’s tonic pupil.
In addition to dilated pupils and slowed reflexes in tendons as large as the Achilles tendon, those with Adie syndrome are typically sensitive to bright lights. Their pupils react slowly to changes in light and are slow to focus on objects at varying distances due to damage or malfunction in the eye’s ciliary bodies that control the pupil. Other symptoms include a rise or fall in blood pressure when you stand up suddenly, patches of skin where the body doesn’t sweat, and an irregular heartbeat. Occasionally, individuals are seen with abnormally constricted pupils instead of dilated pupils, although the rest of the symptoms associated with this are the same.
Nearly three times more common in women than in men, the causes of Adie syndrome are unknown. It is thought to be related to other nervous system diseases or autoimmune responses, and has been seen to develop in those who also suffer from migraines or excessive sweating. It has also been suggested that there is a link between Adie syndrome and caffeine use, sugar consumption, a viral infection or eye trauma. The most common victims are young women between 20 and 40 years old.
Testing for Adie syndrome involves an eye exam to determine how responsive the pupil is. Medical professionals may include other tests to rule out a different diagnosis. Intense reactions to eye drops can also help determine the diagnosis, as this indicates a malfunction in eye movement control.
Typically, only one eye is affected at onset, but the condition usually spreads to the other eye. The condition of having one pupil larger than the other is called anisocoria. The loss of reflexive movement in the tendons is permanent, but there are drops that can be used to aid in the constriction of the afflicted pupils. Eyeglasses can be customized to help address any vision problems associated with the condition.
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